April 18, 2024

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Today’s Forecast

81º | 8% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:57 a.m. | Sunset 8:17 p.m.

Cardinal Valley’s queen of clean

A woman standing behind a sign that says Cardinal Valley with a plastic bag + grippers.

Mayor Linda Gorton declared April 11, 2024 as Teresa Rakes Day in Lexington. | Photo courtesy of Teresa Rakes

When most people retire, it’s safe to assume they are ready for a new chapter filled with relaxation, travel, and free time. But that’s not the case for Lexingtonian Teresa Rakes, who immediately got to work volunteering in her community.

“I had always decided that when I retire, I wanted to do something to give back to the community, because before, I didn’t have a lot of time on my hands,” Rakes said. “One of things I decided was that I’m going to pick up trash in my neighborhood. So, I started by walking around with a Home Depot bucket, walk until the bucket was full, then walk back home.”

The Cardinal Valley resident loves her neighborhood, but saw the need for a bit of a revival at surrounding businesses as well. She ventured to nearby Oxford Circle, just off Versailles Road, and got to picking.

A plastic bin with a handle and wheels that says "Cardinal Valley Trash Express" on it — Teresa’s trusty partner in crime, the “Cardinal Valley Trash Express.” | Photo courtesy of Teresa Rakes

“I saw how bad it was down there — the trash was terrible, the buildings look abandoned, it just was really dreary,” she said. “I got to engage with all the businesses and told them who I was, because they would look at me and think, ‘What is she doing?’” Since her work began, the buildings started to look more alive with signage going up, fresh coats of paint, and a lot less trash.

Now, Rakes plays “pick a block” in areas that need clean up, grabs her garden cart, the “Cardinal Valley Trash Express,” and gets to work. Fun fact: April 11, 2024 was actually declared “Teresa Rakes Day” by Mayor Linda Gorton, honoring the hours she has dedicated to cleaning.

Rakes said helping the environment can be as simple as picking up trash when you walk back and forth from your car. Pro tip: Have hand sanitizer + a grocery bag handy. You can also lend a hand by —

Attending one of Bluegrass Greensource’s Main Street Clean Sweeps
Join Rakes in supporting A Cleaner Kentucky
Consider donating to help Rakes fix her truck so she doesn’t have to put our stinky trash in her car

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Events

Thursday, April 18

Beer Garden Pop-Up | Thursday, April 18 | 4-8 p.m. | Woodland Park, 601 E. High St., Lexington | Free | This Lexington Parks & Rec + West Sixth Brewing collab will host a temporary neighborhood beer garden complete with food trucks, music, picnic tables, and mingling with friends.
Trivia Night | Thursday, April 18 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Lost Palm, 941 Manchester St., Lexington | Free | Head up to The Manchester’s rooftop bar for specialty cocktails, small plates, and brain games.

Friday, April 19

Cedric Burnside | Friday, April 19 | 8 p.m. | The Burl, 375 Thompson Rd., Lexington | $22.50-$27 | See the grandson of blues legend R.L. Burnside as he brings the Memphis sounds to Lexington.

Saturday, April 20

Reforest at Home | Saturday, April 20 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Shillito Park, 300 W. Reynolds Rd., Lexington | Free | Help expand Lexington’s tree canopy by grabbing a free native tree to plant at your home — trees are also available at Jacobson Park + Living Arts & Science Center.
Kite Fest | Saturday, April 20 | 12-4 p.m. | Masterson Station Park, 3051 Leestown Rd., Lexington | Free | Fun for the whole family, this annual event celebrates all things aerial with kite flying, games, inflatables, and more.

Sunday, April 21

Materialized | Sunday, April 21 | 7-8 p.m. | Central Library’s Farish Theater, 140 E. Main St., Lexington | Free | A collaborative concert of music and dance featuring choreography, performance, and composition by students in UK’s Department of Theatre & Dance + the School of Music.

Events calendar here

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Finance

The minimum investment for a financial advisor

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Considering hiring a financial advisor? Here’s what you need to know beforehand. | Photo provided by SmartAsset

A financial advisor could help you best determine if you’re on track to meet your long-term financial goals. This expert could help you establish a plan that factors your assets and taxes into your overall retirement and estate-planning goals.

How much money should you have before hiring a financial advisor? Find out the level of liquid assets at which an advisor’s benefits potentially outweigh the costs.

Learn more

News Notes

Biz

Now through Wednesday, May 15, applications are being accepted for the 2024-2025 Leadership Lexington program. The educational platform from Commerce Lexington gives business professionals opportunities to practice and apply leadership skills through community projects, site visits, group discussions + more. (Lane Report)

Sports

Did you know, that the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event is part of the Olympic Selection Trials? That means some of the athletes you see at the Kentucky Horse Park Thursday, April 25-Saturday, April 27 will be competing on Team USA at the Olympics this summer.

Kids

Next time you’re at Shaker Village, check out the new Children’s Playscape. Made of natural materials, the space allows kiddos to learn about the area’s historic architecture + cultural landscape. It’s located near the outdoor dining section, so parents can keep a close eye while enjoying dinner at The Trustees’ Table.

Edu

Calling all Fayette County Public School (FCPS) parents — FCPS wants to hear from you. Take this anonymous survey by Wednesday, May 1 to share experiences you and your children have had during this past school year.

Festival

Rock House Brewing is looking for vendors to be a part of Kentucky Common Fest on Saturday, June 1. The annual festival celebrates Kentucky’s birthday (we’re turning 232) with craft beer, local goods, and more. Interested makers can email to learn more.

Job

Talon Winery is looking for grape lovers to join their team in a variety of roles. These include tasting room associate, wine-making/vineyard assistant, and farm support. Apply in person at 7086 Tates Creek Rd. or email your resume.

Community

April is National Safe Digging Month. Before starting a new home improvement project (like installing a fence or planting flowers), dial 8-1-1 or submit a ticket two+ business days in advance to request utility markings. Psst... Columbia Gas shares what to do if you damage an underground natural gas line.*

Shop

Get derby-ready with Six & Main

Giddy up. Whether you’re going to the Kentucky Derby or hosting a watch party, we have the perfect items from local makers to make the day special.

There’s no such thing as too many accessories. Arrive in style with this blue and white equestrian scarf and a pair of Babloo earrings.

Be everyone’s favorite attendee. Taste the Bluegrass state with a special Kentucky Derby Macaron Box featuring flavors like Bourbon Ball and KY Chocolate Walnut Pie.

Test your bartending skills making a Mint Julep in these solid brass cups. Keep the vibes going at home with this clean mint and sugar scented candle – a simple reminder of the southern classic.

You may bet on horses, but you don’t have to bet on being Derby-ready with our full shopping guide. Keep browsing here.

The Buy

Four neutral throw pillow covers, all for $24.99. We love: The price point + how you can choose which neutral tones best suit your living space — gold-neutral, cream-neutral, or navy-neutral.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Molly

From the editor

Writing about other people’s stories is one of my favorite topics to cover. Thank you to Reader Alicia H. for taking the time to share with us about the awesome work Teresa is doing. Don’t forget, you can tell us about someone who deserves to be featured by sharing their story.

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